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By Oscar Okhifo
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of operating a distorted leadership system driven by money, ticket-trading, and manipulated primaries, warning that such practices threaten internal democracy in Nigeria’s major parties.
The National Chairman of the party, Senator David Mark, made the allegation on Thursday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, during the formal inauguration of the party’s new Delta State Leadership Management Committee.(DSLMT).
Represented by former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and ADC National Vice Chairman (North-East), Babachir Lawal, Mark assured party members that such practices would not be tolerated in the ADC.
The event drew senior figures of the party, including ADC National Vice Chairman (South-South) and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani; National Publicity Secretary and former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi; and Olorogun Great Ogboru, a former governorship candidate.
Mark, through Lawal, outlined clear expectations for the newly constituted DSLMT, emphasising strict compliance with the ADC Constitution and adherence to proper internal party procedures. He warned members against ticket trading, corruption, or any manipulation of primary elections, insisting these were common in other political parties but unacceptable within the ADC.
He referenced situations in the APC where candidates who win primaries allegedly lose their tickets to opponents willing to pay more in Abuja, vowing that such distortions “will not happen in ADC.”
The national chairman also urged committee members to prioritize broad inclusion by integrating youths, women, and coalition members from other parties into the party structure. According to him, effective leadership requires building harmony and ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging.
National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the ADC as the “last credible opposition party” in the country, warning that by 2027, those in power may attempt to leave only the APC standing.
He stressed that although the ADC may not have financial resources or governors, it has the support of ordinary Nigerians and remains committed to championing transparency and inclusiveness.
According to Abdullahi, the party’s mission goes beyond political ambition, it is a national rescue project designed to give everyday Nigerians a meaningful voice in governance.
In his remarks, Usani encouraged ADC members in the Niger Delta not to be discouraged by past political experiences. He dismissed speculations of division within the party, describing them as exaggerated issues that would soon be resolved.
Great Ogboru, on his part, hailed the inauguration as a significant moment for Delta State politics, which he said had lacked strong opposition for decades.
He commended recent coalition efforts that have strengthened the ADC’s presence in the state.
Ogboru argued that hopes of turning Delta State into a one-party state collapsed the moment the ADC stepped forward to offer a credible alternative.
According to him, democracy thrives only when the people, not powerful politicians, have the freedom to choose.
He stressed that whatever political outcomes emerge going forward, the most important factor is that the people of Delta State must decide their future.
Those inaugurated into the DSLMT include Olorogun Ogboru, Deacon Kennedy Pela, Hon. Uloho Obaro, Engr. Austin Okolie, Hon. George Timinimi, and Hon. Emeka Ozegbe.